Social Movement Theory Perspectives on Group Mobilisation, Radicalisation, and Violent Extremism

This report synthesises and critically analyses the existing research that has considered whether and how political contention and protest relate to radicalisation and terrorism. It draws on social movement theory perspectives to provide insights into what informs group and mass radicalisation and what constrains them, and what impact state responses have.

This review seeks to address the following primary research questions:

1. What factors, features, or events are linked to violence, radicalisation, and terrorism in social movements?

2. What factors, features, or events constrain the potential for violence, radicalisation, and terrorism in social movements?

3. What are the mechanismsthat help explain what facilitates or constrains opportunities for violence in social movements?

4. How do different state and policing responses affect the potential for violence and extremism in social movements?

This assessment identifies a number of potential drivers for violent and extremist escalation within social movements, as well as potential factors for de-escalation. The literature reviewed highlights the complex and interacting nature of movement characteristics, mobilisation contexts, and the influence of external actors, namely counter-movements and state responses.

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